PRESS RELEASE | THE FUNDING NETWORK
As The Funding Network (TFN) completes the third year of its Thriving Young People impact area, it is celebrating a major milestone: more than $1.17 million raised over three years to back grassroots organisations supporting an estimated 4,950 young people across Australia.
This significant milestone represents more than just dollars raised. Over three years, Thriving Young People events nationwide have shown what collective giving can make possible when communities back local leadership and invest in practical support that helps young people build confidence, skills, connection and opportunity. In that time, 21 high-potential grassroots non-profits from around Australia have been funded through the impact area, including One Ball, Bandu, Worthy Cause, Consent Labs, Confit Pathways, Gnarly Neighbours and Future Minds Network. From inclusive sport and work-readiness, to neuro-affirming education, food rescue volunteering and digital inclusion, the initiative has backed community-led responses to the issues shaping young people’s lives.
In 2026, TFN’s Thriving Young People events in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane brought together more than 300 donors, partners and community members around a shared belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive. Together, supporters pledged more than $332,000 to nine grassroots organisations working across sport, employment, arts, education, wellbeing and community connection.
The response from participating organisations across three events in 2026 shows the value of that support:
“Standing in that room and sharing my story was deeply personal. The response was incredibly moving, and this support will give more young people the chance to play football, build confidence and feel part of a community that believes in them.”
Kamal Ibrahim – Founder and CEO, One Ball
“As a grassroots charity, that belief in our program and vision means so much. The funding matters, but so does the confidence that we’re building something that truly matters.”
Matthew Smith and Margaret Armstrong – Co-founders, Fostercare Sports
“What happened in one evening will create opportunities many disadvantaged students in Logan and Ipswich may not otherwise have had. Because of this generosity, young people will have the support, tools and guidance to stay engaged in school and move towards brighter futures.”
Edmond Asong – Founder, Fossung Multicultural and Education Services
The success of the Thriving Young People impact area reflects the strength of TFN’s model. Through live collective giving events, tailored pitch coaching and the long tail of Alumni support, TFN helps grassroots organisations do more than raise funds on the night. That longer-term value is reflected in the experience of Australian Refugee Volunteers (ARV) that pitched in 2025.
“The financial support has been transformational,” confirms volunteer Grants Manager Sally Yu. “But beyond the funding itself, being part of TFN gave us the confidence to sharpen our messaging and step in front of corporate partners with a clear, compelling story. That confidence directly led to securing Macquarie Group as a corporate donor – something we’re incredibly proud of.” This is a powerful reminder that TFN’s model helps create the confidence, visibility and momentum that organisations carry forward long after the night itself.
“Reaching more than $1.17 million over three years is a powerful reflection of what can happen when funders, donors and communities come together behind grassroots organisations that know their communities deeply. What has stood out throughout the Thriving Young People events is the calibre of the organisations being supported – each one bringing practical, thoughtful solutions to the challenges young people face. For Waratah Education Foundation, it has been incredibly meaningful to help back this impact area and to see support flow to organisations creating real opportunities for young people to thrive.”
Geraldine Campbell – CEO, Waratah Education Foundation
Crucially, the legacy of this impact area will be a stronger ecosystem of grassroots organisations, a growing community of donors and partners committed to backing them, and a shared belief that when we invest in young people early, locally and relationally, whole communities are stronger for it.
TFN extends its heartfelt thanks to every donor, partner and supporter who made the Thriving Young People series possible, and to the extraordinary organisations whose work continues to inspire generosity and hope.
Find our more about TFN’s Thriving Young People Impact Area